Before you drop everything now to buy those Taylor Swift tickets, make sure they're not a scam

Cheryl V. Jackson and Jenny Porter Tilley, Indianapolis Star
·2 min read

Scammers, you need to calm down.

As Taylor Swift's Indianapolis "Eras Tour" stop gets closer, scammers continue to seek out fans desperate for tickets. It's nothing new — sites were already advertising tickets for thousands of dollars before they even went on sale.

Here's what you can do to protect yourself.

Protect yourself from Taylor Swift ticket scams

Ticket seekers should be aware of scammers setting up fake websites and social media posts claiming to be local residents looking to resell tickets; and encouraging fans to buy tickets by paying through Zelle, Venmo or other peer-to-peer digital payment apps, according to the Better Business Bureau. Sometimes they fail to come through with the tickets, leaving fans out of luck.

More advice for buying tickets: Scammers await Taylor Swift ticket seekers

The organization advises those looking to buy concert tickets to:

  • Always buy tickets from official ticketing sites to ensure tickets are authentic and secure. This includes double-checking the URL before making a purchase. Even if you can no longer get tickets directly from the venue or Ticketmaster, look to reputable ticket brokers before doing business with a ticket scalper or a random stranger on social media.

  • Avoid or exercise extreme caution when buying tickets on unofficial sites, via social media, or from people you found online. But if you do purchase on third-party sites or unofficial platforms, do not use unprotected payments or give your credit card information over the phone, and be sure to review your selection carefully and make sure the ticket matches the venue information, including mobile or printed ticket options.

  • Use good judgment with advertisements. Some ads are scams, whether after a general internet search or in your social media feed. Be careful about clicking through and offering up personal information.

  • Watch out for too-good-to-be-true deals. If someone claims to be selling tickets to a sold-out concert just before the date or at an amazing price, think twice. Scammers love to prey on fans of any artist or sporting event by claiming to have impossible-to-get-tickets for them.

  • If you think you know the seller, double-check. Scammers may hack your contacts’ accounts and pretend to be a friend or acquaintance who’s selling tickets. Before sending money, contact your friend directly to make sure the deal is real.

  • Use your credit card. They generally offer extra protection in case you find out the tickets were a sham. You may not get your money back if you pay with your debit card, a cash transfer app, or cash.

  • Use good judgment with advertisements. Some ads are scams, whether after a general internet search or in your social media feed. Be careful about clicking through and offering up personal information.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Taylor Swift Indianapolis 2024: How to spot ticket scammers

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